Yes, I drove right by it on the way from Richmond to Miami. No, I never considered living there. I mean, if I’m going to live in the dumbest state around it better be in its hottest city, am I right? And what’s sexier than a proper Miami address?
Well, as we’ve seen with The Weiner, when you think with your dumb parts, it’s easy to veer off course. As it was with my attempt to South Floridian myself. Epic FAIL. It went a little something like this:
Globetrotting child, for once in her life, tries to become “family-oriented.” That is, not pick a new location based on its scenery, cuisine, or airport proximity, but on its closeness to relatives. So Miami seemed like the logical choice, big enough to have a few jobs, with family just three hours away in Melbourne. However, the job I chose was as wrong as ski pants in a swimming pool. In fact, there wasn’t a single thing right about it: the work, the environment, the people, the hours. Okay, maybe the money was good, so if this was a test in selling out, I’m happy to report that I’m not capable of it. No amount of money or bonuses could have kept me there. My only regret is staying for eight weeks and not leaving after one. It was that ill-fitting.
And then it dawned on me. My all-time favorite dance program is based in Jacksonville. Living there would mean having access to all of the classes my knees can handle, taught by its very own founders! It’s like Muslims going to Mecca. Or something. It’s at least a sign of my burgeoning enlightenment, for this time I am choosing a place based on something way more important than work (or its perceived coolness). Yeah, yeah, I’ve been warned about Jacksonville’s redneck tendencies. But you know what? I can do red. I went to college in South Carolina, and met some of the most amazing people I know in always-underrated Richmond, Virginia. I even found a website dedicated to the city’s independently owned businesses. That’s way cooler than being J. Lo’s winter hang-out.
An added bonus: If Jax doesn’t work out, it’s as close to the border as I can possibly get. Shit, it nearly escaped the state completely, so maybe we’re on the same wavelength entirely.
I’m getting used to Florida’s balmy weather, and love swimming year-round, so come on Jacksonville, show me a good time and cough up a job. I think we’re gonna be good together.
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With my next dream spot of Charleston, we’ll be neighbors again. Hail yeah. Plus, the people who tough it out in a “non-cool” town are always much cooler (and more real) than the hipsters of ultra-cool towns like San Francisco or Seattle. (Not that there’s anything wrong with those places!) Just sayin’. I like being off the map too.
I shall set up camp and send back word on local conditions.
As a native of DC and a former resident of Manhattan, I can assure you that J-ville has a lot more going for it than might appear at first glance. Access to the ocean and a great river, cool historic neighborhoods ringing downtown, a flourishing art scene and a much younger demographic than South Florida. This is on of the few Florida cities that makes its way by its own hard work, not on the back of tourists. Check out the Riverside Avondale Historic District–best neighborhood in town, in my opinion.
BTW, found you through our GoLO site. Glad you like it!
Thanks so much, Jean! The naysayers have been roundly put in their place. I grew up in Queens. I’ve been there and done that. I want easy livin’ with a few great trips thrown in during the year. Looking forward to the move.